Major new study will pave the way for better language learning across the Celtic Nations
A major new study involving Queen’s and led by the University of Stirling will explore how healthy language-learning cultures are built and sustained across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
The project will encourage a strong and sustainable future for language learning in the Celtic nations.
Language learning has declined sharply across the UK in recent decades, with serious consequences for international trade, diplomacy, and social cohesion.
However, by contrast, the Republic of Ireland has seen remarkable growth in language uptake with the number of secondary school pupils studying an international language rising by 84%, alongside an 80% increase in language teacher numbers since 2012.
The research will be carried out by an interdisciplinary team, led by Professor of French Studies, Fiona Barclay, from the University of Stirling, to examine the cultural, social and policy conditions that shape language-learning ecosystems in the Celtic nations.
The research team includes Dr Marina Shapira from the University of Stirling, Professor Claire Gorrara from the University of London, Dr Daniel J. Finnegan, and Lucy Jenkins from Cardiff University; Dr Ian Collen from Queen’s University Belfast; and Assistant Professor Iker Erdocia from Dublin City University.
The research initiative, titled Transforming Cultures of Language-Learning (TransCoLL), has been awarded a £1.5 million Standard Grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
Professor Barclay from the University of Stirling said: “Research shows that greater use of linguistic and cultural skills could overcome cultural barriers and expand exports, resulting in an increase in economic growth that politicians strive for. Language-learning is also linked with cognitive benefits for the individual, and it positively impacts disadvantages in learners’ socio-economic status – by fostering respect for other cultures it supports social cohesion.
“These potential benefits to our societies are not being fully realised, with language-learning rates in decline in much of the Anglophone world. Yet, where language-learning rates are healthy, such as in Ireland, we do not understand the factors that enable this, from education policy to the requirements of business, and the relationship with indigenous languages.
“This major grant is an important step in recognising the value of languages to society, by investing in research that will illuminate the factors that support healthy cultures of language-learning in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.”
Dr Ian Collen from Queen’s added: “Northern Ireland provides a fascinating linguistic tapestry in a post-conflict society through which to contrast and compare language learning with our nearest neighbours. This project will have a lasting impact on language learning for generations to come.”
The research team will also examine the impact of emerging technologies - including immersive virtual reality (IVR) and artificial intelligence (AI) - on learner motivation, confidence, and progression, assessing how these tools are reshaping language-learning experiences across both formal and informal settings.
The project’s findings will deliver evidence-based recommendations designed to revitalise language-learning cultures across the Celtic nations and provide practical benefits for learners, teachers, universities, employers, and policymakers.
Press release adapted with thanks from the UKRI and the University of Stirling.
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Media enquiries to Zara McBrearty on email: z.mcbrearty@qub.ac.uk